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MillimeterNAB 2005 — An NAB Survivor's Guide
Mar 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Bill Miller
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Everyone agrees: Wear comfortable shoes. With more than 1,800 exhibitors on a convention floor that covers 800,000 square feet, that's a lot of walking.
Also, plan ahead. “If you're going to look at a specific item, then determine which companies you want to see before you set foot on the plane,” says Boucher. Before you leave for the show, call the salesperson for a specific product and try to make an appointment at the show with the product manager. They often know more about the equipment, especially if it's just being introduced this year. Boucher also says to bring your laptop and log onto company websites on Sunday night or Monday morning for the latest information on your targeted equipment.
David DiNisco of Viewpoint Creative tells me the best time to visit the exhibition hall is Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning — when it's least crowded. And plan to spend the whole day there. Booth attendees tend to be worn out toward the end of the convention.
DiNisco says to ask for after-hour demonstrations, where the pressure is off and sessions tend to be more informational than sales oriented. If you go on Monday or Tuesday, try to hit the smaller companies at the rear of hall because the big booths will be jammed and you'll fight for personal attention.
Jennifer Garvis, manager of corporate events for Avid Technology, says be sure to keep your focus. “NAB can be so overwhelming, it's easy to get completely frazzled. Don't lose sight of what you want to accomplish,” she says. She also suggests bringing a backpack instead of a handbag because you can end up with a ton of material to carry. But remember, as with any big event these days, security will be tight and bags will be screened.
A lot of companies will not give out brochures, but rather will take your name and send you followup information because they know most of the material will end up in the round file at your hotel room. You may also want to carry a small audio recorder instead of having to take notes. Garvis also suggests dressing in layers because the temperature from one end of the hall to the other can vary greatly. You may also want to bring snacks with you because food lines are long and prices are very high. There also aren't a lot of bathrooms.
NAB can be as trying for exhibitors as it is for attendees. Donna Danis of Just In Time Marketing has this advice: “As an exhibitor, my three personal rules are: eat a good breakfast, wear comfortable shoes, and get a good night's sleep.”
Harry Abraham, an executive video producer for the National Fire Protection Association, says he attends NAB to recharge his batteries. “After a long, hard Boston winter it's great to get out to the warmth of Las Vegas and the excitement of all the new video tools being shown. I don't always have a specific plan for what I want to see. Sometimes I'll try to cover everything, which is nearly impossible. But almost by osmosis, by the time I get back to work my enthusiasm is renewed.”
And don't try to spend your whole time at the convention. There's lots to do in Las Vegas besides gambling. Boucher says he likes to take time off and hike in Red Rock Canyon. My favorite spot is the Hoover Dam, a short drive away.
So don't forget to have fun. Hope to see you there.
For more from Bill Miller, check out his new website at www.billmillerfilm.com.
